Robert Craddock: Players unsure whether high-tackle crackdown will continue in Origin

The rugby league world is not sure what will happen when a modern tackle crackdown meets tribal warfare — but, more importantly, neither are the players, writes Robert Craddock.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Jaydn Su'a of the Broncos passes the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on May 3, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

For much of its four-decade history State of Origin has been a free for all.

Suddenly it’s an obstacle course. Or is it?

A brief survey of Queensland players at Monday’s open media sessions shows no one seems quite sure what to expect from referees in Townsville next Wednesday in the wake of the new high-tackle crackdown that has rocked the game.

Jai Arrow hopes there is a place where historical trends and modern correctness can meet in the middle.

“I am all for player welfare and looking after the players and good on the NRL for doing it,’’ Arrow said.

“But at the start when the crackdown came in there were a few contacts with the head that could have been more lenient.

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QLD's Jai Arrow. Queensland vs New South Wales during game 3 of the State of Origin series in Brisbane. Pic Peter Wallis

“I have no doubt the refs will be a little bit more lenient in an Origin game. Let’s be real. They usually are. As players we have to be mindful of it (the crackdown) and as refs they have to be mindful we are going out to put on a show for the fans.

“People who don’t even watch rugby league sit down and watch Origin because of its entertainment value.’’

The other change the players must deal with is the new six-again rule which has made rugby league a breathless game.

But Origin openers are traditionally low-scoring affairs and prop Clinton Welch will have no complaints if history continues.

“With the rule changing we are seeing these high-scoring contests but Origin has not traditionally been like that,’’ Welch said.

Jaydn Su'A is sent off to the sin-bin for a head-high tackle. Picture: AAP

“It will be interesting see how they referee it. As a purist I love those 10-6 Origin battles.’’

Jaydn Su’A is not sure what to expect on high-tackle rulings but is cautious about taking liberties.

“It is going to be interesting to see how they deal with it. It probably has been a bit inconsistent but we as players know where the line is. If you hit the head you are going off for 10.

“Hopefully you don’t want to get too many sent offs and ruin the game. Origin is about collisions and rivalry.’’

Queensland coach Paul Green fears any team that lost a player or two could be severely exposed because the opposition had the resources to expose their frailties.

It’s a tightrope walk for everyone.